scholarly journals Is Living Alone “Aging Alone”? Solitary Living, Network Types, and Well-Being

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1406-1415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Djundeva ◽  
Pearl A Dykstra ◽  
Tineke Fokkema
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Country Level

Abstract Objectives When identifying older adults who may be at risk of being without necessary supports, policy makers and scholars tend to focus on those living alone, neglecting differences within that group. We examine how their social networks contribute to subjective well-being, why some of them fare better and compare their well-being to older adults coresiding with others. Method Data are from the fourth wave of the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe (N = 53,383). A network typology for older people living alone (N = 10,047) is constructed using a latent class analysis. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions, we examined differences in subjective well-being (life satisfaction, satisfaction with social network, depression) by network type, adding adults coresiding with others (N = 43,336) as comparison group. Results We find four social network types among older adults living alone. The likelihood of having “restricted” and “child-based” networks is greater in Eastern and Southern European countries, whereas the likelihood of having “friend-oriented” networks is greater in Western and Northern European countries. Across countries, only those with “restricted” networks tend to have the poorest well-being. Those with “diverse” networks have even better well-being than coresiding older adults. Discussion Our study shows the importance of drawing distinctions within the group of older adults living alone. Most (two thirds) are not vulnerable and at risk, but fare just as well or even better than peers who coreside with others. Country-level factors shape the opportunities to build satisfactory networks, but subjective well-being depends more strongly on individual resources, including social networks, than country-level factors.

scholarly journals EXPANDING SOCIAL TIES AS A GOAL IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
Danielle Oleskiewicz ◽  
Karen Rook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Composition

Abstract Older adults often winnow their social ties to focus on emotionally rewarding ties (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). Some older adults, however, have small social networks that preclude much winnowing or aversive social ties from which disengagement is difficult. These individuals might be motivated to expand, rather than contract, their social ties. The current study sought to extend knowledge regarding potential links between social network characteristics and older adults’ interest, effort, and success in creating new social ties. We expected that small social networks and negative social ties might motivate interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties but that positive social ties might foster success in efforts to form new ties. In-person interviews were conducted with participants (N = 351, Mean age = 74.16) in a larger study of older adults’ social networks and well-being. The interviews assessed participants’ social networks, as well as their interest, effort, and success in making new social ties. Participants’ social network composition, rather than size, was associated with greater motivation to establish new social ties. Negative social ties were associated with greater interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties. Positive social ties were related to greater success (due, in part, to their support provision) and, unexpectedly, were also related to greater interest and effort directed toward forming new ties. Older adults sometimes seek to expand, rather than contract, their social ties, and characteristics of their social networks appear to play a role in fueling and influencing the success of such efforts.

scholarly journals INTEREST GROUP SESSION—DISASTERS AND OLDER ADULTS: HARNESSING THE POWER OF SOCIAL NETWORKS DURING DISASTERS TO FACILITATE PREPARATION AND RECOVERY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S390-S390
Author(s):  
Judith Robertson R Phillips ◽  
Katie E Cherry
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Voluntary Organizations ◽  
Formal Groups ◽  
Psychological Recovery ◽  
Relief Efforts

Abstract With the increasing occurrences of disasters throughout the world, researchers, communities, and organizations have become interested in how the use of social networks during and after a disaster can ease the psychological recovery of older adults who are affected by traumatic disaster events such as hurricanes and wildfires. This symposium will focus on the power of social networks and highlight the importance of preparedness, informal and formal groups, and interventions to assist recovery of older adults. First, Dr. Judith Phillips will present data on how informal and formal social network groups affected the psychological well-being of older adults who experienced exposure to multiple wildfires. Second, Dr. Denise Eldemire-Shearer will address how both formal and informal social network groups in Jamaica are informed and mobilized to provide support to older adults on the island during hurricanes and other water-related disasters. Third, Dr. Lisa Brown will introduce the Skills for Psychological Recovery intervention and provide an overview and modifications needed when using with older adults; she will also demonstrate an exercise. Fourth, Dr. Debra Dobbs will present themes examining the role of community engagement in hurricane preparedness which were gathered from focus groups and interviews with assisted living administrators in Florida. Lastly, Dr. Mary Helen McSweeney-Feld will address how voluntary organizations active during disasters aid older adults with disaster relief efforts. Together these presenters will provide evidence of the power of various social networks that will lessen the vulnerability of older adults after disasters.

scholarly journals Social Network Types and Subjective Well-being in Chinese Older Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 64B (6) ◽  
pp. 713-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.-T. Cheng ◽  
C. K. L. Lee ◽  
A. C. M. Chan ◽  
E. M. F. Leung ◽  
J.-J. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Chinese Older Adults

scholarly journals Subjective Well-being of Older Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa Is Most Associated with Food Security, Physical Health and Emotional Support (P04-090-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwina Wambogo ◽  
Nadine Sahyoun
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Objectives Using the social ecological model, the objectives of this study were to examine (1) the associations between proximate factors (food security and physical health) and measures of subjective well-being (SWB), and (2) the associations of distal community and country level risk factors with SWB, independent of food security and physical health. Methods Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) data of 5585 respondents aged 60 years or older included in Gallup World Poll (GWP) 2014 and 2015 were included in these analyses. GWP collected data on several indicators SWB (eudaimonic, hedonic and evaluative), together with data on food security, physical health, social support and social participation, and country level factors such as quality of roads and public transport. We estimated three hierarchical logistic regression models for each index controlling for country and GWP survey year as a fixed effects. Results In bivariate logistic regression analysis, food security was most associated with higher evaluative well-being (OR 2.80, 95% CI 2.05–3.83) and physical health was most associated with higher eudaimonic well-being (OR 3.30, 95% CI 2.64–4.14). Physical health was also most associated with higher positive experiences (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.59–2.10), and most inversely associated with negative experiences (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.41–0.55), in bivariate analysis. In the multivariate models, emotional support explained eudaimonic well-being (OR 3.66, 95% CI 2.41–5.58), and evaluative well-being (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.26–2.79), followed by physical health and food security, respectively. Conclusions Food security, physical health and emotional support were strongly associated with SWB among older adults in this study. Food security is particularly important for QOL, and has a bi-directional relationship with these other predictors of SWB. Therefore, continued monitoring the food security of older adults in the region remains important. Funding Sources N/A.

The native-migrant gap in job satisfaction across European countries

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilaria Benedetti ◽  
Tiziana Laureti ◽  
Andrea Regoli
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Hierarchical Level ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Immigrant Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the body of research on job satisfaction as a subjective dimension of the quality of working life. Specifically, it addresses the comparison of job satisfaction between native-born and foreign-born workers in 28 European countries.Design/methodology/approachA multilevel modelling framework is used for exploring the variability associated with every hierarchical level (individuals constitute the first-level units, combinations country-activity sector are the second-level units and countries are the third-level units).FindingsThe country-specific native-migrant gap in job satisfaction displays some heterogeneity across countries when accounting for socio-demographic and job-related characteristics. Country-level factors have a significant effect on job satisfaction score of all resident workers. Nevertheless, they do not moderate significantly the effect of immigrant status on job satisfaction across countries.Research limitations/implicationsThe unavailability of data on migrants' country of origin and duration of stay in the host country prevents from exploring in more details the integration issues of migrants.Social implicationsJob satisfaction of migrant workers, as an indicator of their working conditions, is fundamental for evaluating the degree of social integration of migrants in their host countriesOriginality/valueA distinctive trait of this research is the use of the 2013 ad hoc EU-SILC module on subjective well-being, which contains subjective evaluations of the satisfaction with the job as well as with other different life domains. Further distinctive aspects are the investigation of (1) the direct effect of country-level factors on job satisfaction and (2) whether country-level factors mediate the effect of the immigrant status on job satisfaction.

scholarly journals THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL NETWORK ON RESILIENCE OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S907-S908
Author(s):  
Sangmi Park ◽  
Tae Hui Kim ◽  
Soyeon Choi ◽  
Kyuwon Lee ◽  
Jisoo Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Older People ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Emotional Status

Abstract Resilience is one of the components for successful aging and is related to wellbeing in late life. Studies have shown that older people living alone have low resilience. However, most of these studies were mainly conducted on unhealthy participants. The aim of this study is to examine the factors that contribute to resilience of healthy older adults living alone. Older people living alone who are not subject to public health care service provided to the economically or physically challenged or depressed people were recruited. Data collected from 295 participants were used to conduct hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling demographic characteristics, level of cognitive and physical functions, and emotional status. A self-reported questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS), and Multidimensional Individual and Interpersonal Resilience Measure(MIIRM) were used to measure study variables. A hierarchical model accounted for 48.8% of the variance in resilience. In model 1(demographics), the religion(β=.178, p<.001) and the perceived economic status(β=-.176, p<.001) variables were significantly related to resilience. The subjective health(β=-.109, p=.038) in model 2(level of function) and the loneliness(β=-.379, p<.001) in model 3(emotional status) had a significant effect on resilience. In model 4, the size(β=-.115, p=.029) and the frequency(β=.160, p=.003) of social networks significantly predicted resilience. The results showed that protecting older adults’ social networks could lead to promote their health and wellbeing. What can be inferred from this finding is that even though the members are small, the social network they often have contact with is important for the resilience of older adults living alone.

scholarly journals MEASUREMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS OF ELDERS USING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE: A SCOPING REVIEW

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S72-S72
Author(s):  
Sijia Wei ◽  
Eleanor S McConnell ◽  
Kayla Wright-Freeman ◽  
Amanda Woodward ◽  
Bada Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Care Technology

Abstract Social networks impact the health and wellbeing of older adults. The importance of social networks drives the need to reliably measure social networks. Advancements and innovations in the internet, electronic and digital devices, social media and health care technology enriches our ability to collect social network and health data to overcome limitations in social network measurement. This scoping review will review approaches utilizing technology to assist the measurement and analysis of social networks among older adults in the context of health and social care. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was followed; PubMed (MEDLINE), Sociological Abstracts, SocINDEX, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for related articles. Conference abstracts and proceedings were included. We discuss the gaps and advances in measurement of social networks of older adults using technology and implications for future research in social networks of older adults as a lever for improving health and well-being.

From Social Integration to Social Isolation: The Relationship Between Social Network Types and Perceived Availability of Social Support in a National Sample of Older Canadians

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 715-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Harasemiw ◽  
Nancy Newall ◽  
Shahin Shooshtari ◽  
Corey Mackenzie ◽  
Verena Menec
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
The Social ◽  
Health And Well Being

It is well-documented that social isolation is detrimental to health and well-being. What is less clear is what types of social networks allow older adults to get the social support they need to promote health and well-being. In this study, we identified social network types in a national sample of older Canadians and explored whether they are associated with perceived availability of different types of social support (affectionate, emotional, or tangible, and positive social interactions). Data were drawn from the baseline questionnaire of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging for participants aged 65–85 (unweighted n = 8,782). Cluster analyses revealed six social network groups. Social support generally declined as social networks became more restricted; however, different patterns of social support availability emerged for different social network groups. These findings suggest that certain types of social networks place older adults at risk of not having met specific social support needs.

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